Becky Moore tennis tourney kicks off today

The fifth annual Becky Moore State Farm Junior Tennis Jamboree starts at 8 a.m. today at Hitchcock Park in Mitchell.

Seventeen players are set to play in the tournament, which consists of three divisions based on the skill level of each player. Kids ranging from sixth-graders to seniors in high school will be participating.

Mitchell High School assistant tennis coach Chad Larson said the annual tournament is a good way for kids to get some tennis action in over the summer.

“It’s more like a city tournament and only Mitchell kids can play,” Larson said.

“It gives our kids a chance to play in a local event that’s fun, yet competitive. For many of them, this is their first tournament experience and hopefully it will be a springboard into the Mitchell Tennis Classic and other tennis tournaments.”

Brenden Lehr, a sophomore at MHS, has played in every Becky Moore tennis tournament since its start in 2008. He said the tournament is a really fun experience for him and he looks forward to the tournament every year.

“You get to play against your teammates and that’s great competition,” he said.

“It’s kind of a friendlier tournament and instead of playing people from around the state you play your teammates. It’s a fun way to relax and get tournament experience without all the pressure.”

Lehr played on the varsity No. 3 doubles team this past season with partner Beau Brown. He said another reason he enjoys the tournaments so much is because it allows him to get some tennis practice in during the offseason. This summer, Lehr will also be teaching tennis lessons for the Mitchell Parks and Recreation Department.

“I’m really excited to play,” Lehr said.

“It’s really cool if you can win a medal because then you have bragging rights against your teammates.”

Larson said there will be medals for each of the top three places in each division, but more importantly, the tournament will be a fun way to kick off the tennis summer season.

“It’s a really good experience for the kids,” he said.

Tags: sports, updates, tennis, mitchell